Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Craving some classic winter comfort food? These Slow Cooker Beef Tips are easy and delicious! Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only packed with flavor but also requires minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. You’ll love the tender beef, rich sauce, and comforting aroma that fills your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just sear, mix, and let your slow cooker do the rest—no complicated steps!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; they taste even better the next day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or special occasions; everyone will love this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Slow Cooker Beef Tips, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Medium bowl
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing the beef to become tender over hours of low heat.
• Large skillet: Perfect for searing the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker, enhancing their flavor.
• Slotted spoon: Makes transferring cooked ingredients easy without excess liquid.
• Medium bowl & whisk: Essential for making a smooth cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 pounds beef stew meat (see note)
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 1¼-oz. envelope dry onion soup mix
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 small white onion (diced)
– 16 oz. sliced baby bella mushrooms
– 2½ tsp minced garlic
– ¼ cup water
– 3 Tbsp cornstarch
– {optional} 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Using a large skillet, add vegetable oil and place over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half of the beef tips and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until seared. Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef tips to a slow cooker. Repeat this process with remaining beef tips. The goal at this stage is simply to sear the edges of the beef tips without cooking them through.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, thyme, diced onions, sliced mushrooms, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Cook Slowly

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Different slow cookers may vary in temperature; check occasionally to ensure proper tenderness.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens noticeably.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips

These Slow Cooker Beef Tips are versatile and can be served in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with the potatoes.

With Rice

• Spoon the beef tips and sauce over fluffy rice. This option absorbs the flavors beautifully, making every bite satisfying.

On a Crusty Bread

• Ladle the beef tips onto slices of crusty bread or rolls for a tasty open-faced sandwich. It’s great for lunch or casual dining.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with beef tips. Top with fresh herbs and chopped onions for added flavor.

With Noodles

• Serve the beef tips over egg noodles or pasta for an Italian twist. The sauce will coat the noodles nicely, creating a delightful dish.

On a Salad

• For a lighter option, toss the beef tips on top of mixed greens or your favorite salad. Drizzle with a vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Achieving tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Tips requires some attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for perfecting this dish.

• Sear the meat properly: Browning the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker enhances flavor and texture.
• Use high-quality broth: Choosing a rich, flavorful beef broth will significantly improve the taste of your dish.
• Monitor cooking time: Cooking times may vary; check for fork tenderness to prevent overcooking.
• Thicken the sauce: Adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end ensures you have a nice, thick gravy to enjoy.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your dish before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for perfect seasoning.
• Let it rest: Allowing the cooked beef tips to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Beef Tips can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent base for your beef tips.
2. Steamed Green Beans
   Fresh green beans add crunch and color while balancing out the richness of the beef.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds both flavor and nutrition to your plate.
4. Buttered Corn
   Sweet buttered corn provides a delightful contrast to the savory beef dish.
5. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb option, cauliflower rice is light yet pairs well with hearty beef tips.
6. Side Salad
   A simple side salad dressed lightly can refresh your palate and add freshness to the meal.
7. Baked Potatoes
   Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives complement the rich sauce perfectly.
8. Pasta Salad
   A cold pasta salad adds variety and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Tips, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly skip the searing: Not searing the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker can lead to less flavor. Always take the time to brown the meat for a richer taste.
• Boldly neglect seasoning: Failing to season your beef tips properly can result in bland flavor. Make sure you use kosher salt and black pepper generously.
• Boldly overcrowding the slow cooker: Packing too much meat into the slow cooker can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each piece has space.
• Boldly ignore cook times: Each slow cooker is different, and not checking periodically can lead to overcooked or undercooked beef tips. Test for doneness regularly.
• Boldly rushing the thickening process: Adding cornstarch too early can result in a thin sauce. Wait until the beef is tender before thickening the sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Tips

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.
• Good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Tips

• Boldly using the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20-30 minutes.
• Boldly using the Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Boldly using the Stovetop: Heat gently on low in a saucepan, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

You can serve these delicious beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

How do I achieve tender beef tips?

Cooking on low for longer periods helps break down tough fibers in the meat, resulting in fork-tender beef tips.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes! You can substitute with chicken, turkey, or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How long do Slow Cooker Beef Tips last?

When stored properly, they will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Tips offer a comforting meal that is both easy to prepare and satisfying. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give it a try and experience hearty flavors that warm any winter evening!